On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, Khon Kaen University (KKU) held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Guangxi University of Foreign Languages (GUFL), People’s Republic of China. The ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, with the participation of university executives, including Assoc. Prof. Pensri Jaroenwanit, Ph.D Vice President for Student Affairs and Innovation Commercialization; Asst. Prof. Acharawan Topark-Ngarm, Ph.D, Assistant to the President for International Affairs, as well as deans and faculty members. The delegation from GUFL was led by Prof. Dr. Huang Can, Founding Vice Chairman, who, together with university executives, was warmly welcomed at the Sarasin Meeting Room, 2nd floor, Sirikunakorn Building.
President Charnchai emphasized that KKU is committed to promoting academic cooperation with international institutions in all dimensions, including student and staff exchanges, joint research, curriculum development, and cultural relations. Currently, KKU has more than 30 active MOUs with institutions in China, and in 2025, Chinese students form the largest group of international students at the university, with a total of 391 enrolled.
“This MOU represents another significant step in strengthening the educational and research potential of both institutions, while preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and vision of global citizens. The initial collaboration will begin with the Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, the Graduate School, and the College of Graduate Study in Management, and we are confident that it will expand to other faculties and units, advancing education together in the years to come,” said President Charnchai.
Prof. Dr. Huang Can expressed GUFL’s deep appreciation for the opportunity to partner with Khon Kaen University, which he recognized as one of Thailand’s leading higher education institutions. He emphasized that the collaboration not only enhances academic knowledge exchange but also lays a strong foundation for the development of students, faculty, and research.
“This is our first visit to Khon Kaen University, and it marks the beginning of a closer relationship that we hope will grow into a long-term partnership. GUFL is confident that KKU will be a strong partner in academic and research cooperation, and together, we will promote student exchange between the two institutions to nurture high-quality graduates for the future,” Prof. Huang stated.
GUFL is a leading private university in the Guangxi Autonomous Region, specializing in foreign languages and intercultural communication. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in foreign languages, international business, and educational management, and maintains extensive collaborations with international university networks worldwide.
The MOU signing was held in a cordial atmosphere, with participation from executives of KKU’s Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Graduate School, and the College of Graduate Study in Management. The event served as a platform to share past achievements and outline future aspirations, marking a significant milestone in advancing international education missions. This collaboration is expected to expand into diverse joint activities, advancing both education and research for sustainable development.
